The system that was provided by International Human Resources Development Corporation (IHRDC) and AH Consulting partnership in with the University, started in June last year with a total of six students, all of whom have been able to complete the certificate course. 

Over a period of six months, the students had access to over 1000 geoscience and geometry courses, giving them access to the huge oil and gas data base, building competences in the upstream petroleum technology. 

IPIMS , which is licensed to over 70 companies worldwide, including Total, Shell, Chevron, among others covers four key areas- Petroleum geology, petroleum geophysics, petroleum engineering and formation ovulation. 

Andrew Burr the IHRDC Director for Africa and UK, while speaking at the Certificate awarding ceremony, yesterday at Makerere University’s College of Natural Sciences, said that upstream technologies in the international oil and gas industry are constantly improving, and therefore require increasingly specialized knowledge to put into practice. 

“When resource is new to a country, there is limited knowledge, and this program will help local experts in Uganda better understand the Oil and Gas sector, giving them case studies and experience on how to deal with the oil resource,” Burr said. 

Honey Malinga, the Assistant Commissioner Geophysics in the Petroleum Exploration Production Department (PEPD), when asked about the development said it is cost cutting and resourceful, since people spend a lot of money and time in the real training institutes abroad. 

“Since petroleum is the big issue in the economy currently, national content development is key. Incorporating e-learning in the oil and gas sector will help experts acquire hands-on practice and experience,” Malinga said. 

Graduates speak out on the programme

Caroline Twebaze, a Geophysicist in PEPD commended the programme, saying it comprises of everything that is done in the petroleum industry, and gives the whole background and case studies on each sector in the petroleum industry. 

Jacquiline Nangendo, a Masters Students of Geoscience and Production said “I feel more ready to join the industry, because the programme offered me a richer and more practical experience in the field.”

According to Herbert Rwamibizi, the Managing Director AH Consulting, the students are currently preparing a report on the programme, summarizing their feedback, including how the IPIMS has helped them in their studies and how well they are prepared to work in the oil and gas sector.